RiverLink is a membership-driven organization.

Information Sessions Application Internships Adopt a Stream Adopt a Greenway Other Positions

Adopt-a-Stream Click here to view team links

What is Adopt-a-stream?

The Adopt-a-Stream program is a hands-on way for local residents and businesses to get actively involved in improving the water quality of the French Broad River Watershed. This a very flexible program that gives you the tools and knowledge to make a difference in your watershed by cleaning up your local stream.

What do I Have to do?

• Minimum of 2 cleanups per year
• Report any water related issues/problems to RiverLink

Why Participate?

By participating in a RiverLink Adopt-a-Stream Team, you are improving one of the region’s greatest natural resources-our creeks and streams!

Everyday pollutants such as trash, used oil, pesticides, fertilizers and yard wastes reach our urban streams.  Although some pollutants are easily detected, some go unnoticed without the watchful eye of concerned and involved citizens.  Adopt-a-Stream Teams are crucial in protecting our rivers, creeks, and streams and in reporting water pollution problems. This makes RiverLink’s Adopt-a-Stream Program critical to the continued health and vitality of the French Broad River Watershed.

Who Can Participate?

Anyone who is concerned about water quality within the French Broad River watershed can participate!  Adopt-a-Stream Teams may include: individuals, communities, families, student organizations, youth and church groups, scout groups, civic organizations, businesses and industries.

Want to get Involved?

Step #1

Contact RiverLink’s Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, at volunteer@riverlink.org or (828) 252-8474 ext. 11 to request information and find out which sections of a stream are available for adoption.  Please specify if you have a specific stream section or area in mind. Click here for Adopt-A-Steam current and available locations

Step #2

After a stream section has been determined, Download your Adopt-a-Stream Team Manual complete with Adopt-a-Stream contract, river cleanup reports, and participant waivers.  The participating group must complete two river cleanups in order to have their Adopt-a-Stream  team sign installed in their adopted section.

Step #3

Prior to each scheduled stream cleanup, volunteers are asked to contact RiverLink at 828-252-8474 x. 11 or volunteer@riverlink.org at least 2 weeks in advance to arrange the pick up of gloves, trash bags, pick up litter sticks and other materials. (The Adopt-a-Stream program asks that volunteers commit to a minimum of two stream cleanups per year).

Step #4

Upon completion of each stream cleanup, volunteers are asked to complete river cleanup reports and fax (828-253-6846), email, or mail it back to RiverLink.

Step #5

Pat yourself on the back!  Thank you for your time and dedication to help protect and improve the water quality of our streams and lakes!